News

Stow Fair set to go ahead as usual in May

STOW Fair is set to go ahead in its usual place next month, it has been confirmed.

The twice-yearly event, which takes place in the field near Maugersbury Road, is being held on Thursday, May 8.

But the venue for the October event is still in doubt.

Plans to build a doctors surgery and 300-space car park on the field used for the fair are set to be submitted to Cotswold District Council (CDC) between now and May.

As previously reported, Stow Surgery has announced it is working with JRN properties Ltd on the proposed development on land between Oddington Road and Maugersbury Road.

Contracts have been exchanged for the purchase of the field, but the move is subject to gaining planning permission from CDC.

If plans are approved, the development would also include a shuttle service to the centre of town and five detached houses along with five affordable.

Stow Mayor Alun White said people in the town had "considerable concerns" about what will happen if the gypsy gathering moves to another site if the plans are approved.

Speaking to members at last week's town council meeting, he said he had raised the issue with the police and CDC.

Developer John Nutbourne, of JRN properties Ltd, said they were still finalising the application.

"We need to do an archaeological dig," he said. "We can't do it until after the fair. It's a question whether the council won't accept it until after we've done that. If so it will be in May but otherwise it will be in April."